20 Days of Chill: Games and hobbies (Day 7)

The thing in life is one must have things for enjoyment or to occupy their minds.

If not, there’s no telling what could happen!

I’ve always been one to have lots of hobbies. They have differed over the years, but some tent to stay constant. Take photography, for example. It’s something I’ve been doing for many years and I continue to enjoy it, as well as the evolution of it. I started in film and now am fully digital and have watched the evolution of cameras to what they are now.

In recent years, though, I tend to like things that get me outside. Not that all “unplug” you from the world, but getting outside will at least keep you “down to earth” a bit more.

Geocaching has been one hobby/game that has been good for me. For one, it gets you outside and moving. It’s also allowed me to meet friends I never would have had without the game. For those who don’t know, geocaching is a worldwide “treasure” hunt where people hide things, post the coordinates, and then you go find it. When you find it, you sign the log, sometimes “trade trinkets” and then log it on the website. Some people take it way more seriously than others and you find people from all walks of life who play.

Speaking of games …

In recent years, I’ve also gotten into board gaming. Not the old types that many might think (Monopoly, Life etc.), rather a more modern type. It’s a massive hobby with conventions and the such. I have a group I try to play in when I can (they meet weekly) and I *try* to go to one convention a year, which is a weekend full of gaming. The games can range from heavy thinking games, to lighter fun games. There are party games and serious games. There are many solo games (which is how I often play) all the way to ones where you could have 100 people. It all depends on the game.

Board gaming can be a highly relaxing hobby. But, like every other hobby you might have, you’ll meet people of all walks of life who will either take each game as life and death to win at all costs, or people who like to play the games. I feel I’m more of the latter. Yes, I like winning a game like anybody else. But it’s not the end of the world if I don’t. I just enjoy the aspect of gaming. There are styles and types of games I prefer over others, but it’s rare for me to really loathe a game I play (and the ones I don’t like… I tend to shy away from).

But you will see many people, especially at conventions and at bigger groups. The ones who are uber competitive always make me chuckle as it almost becomes “win at all cost.” I’ve witnessed people cheating (which never shocks me in anything anymore) because they just can’t stand losing. Or those who can’t stand a game who make the experience miserable. This can become more prevalent, especially, when you are among strangers and don’t know the personalities of everybody at the table.

For me, it (well 95 percent of the time) is an enjoyable experience. Solo gaming (and I’ve blogged a bit about that in the past) is more interesting because you are playing against yourself or against an automated person. In my eyes, it’s a peaceful experience and I can enjoy the aspects of the game without worrying about the social interaction.

There are other hobbies I have that I don’t always focus on (blogging, for example, which I need to become more routine) but they are still there and I enjoy.

How about you? What kind of hobbies or games do you participate in?

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This post is part of the 2019 20 Days of Chill Writing Challenge hosted by A ‘lil HooHaa. Please check out the link if you’d like to see others or join in. You don’t have to do every theme if you don’t want! And for those participating, take a moment and check out the other participants! 

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